**Complimentary Specimens** As a gesture of appreciation, every winning lot above €50 will include one extra mineral, added entirely free of charge. For each additional €50, another complimentary specimen will be added. ————— Description: Standing with quiet authority, this Elbaite Tourmaline specimen reveals a vivid pink presence shaped not by perfection, but by a complex and expressive growth history. Rather than forming as a single uninterrupted prism, the crystal records multiple pauses and resumptions in its development, leaving behind a sequence of natural growth bands that run horizontally across the body like time markers suspended in stone. The crystal rises in an elongated prismatic form, subtly curved rather than perfectly straight, giving it a sense of organic movement. These slight deviations in alignment are not damage, but evidence of changing conditions during growth. Each interruption is followed by renewed crystallisation, producing distinct ring like growth lines that wrap around the prism and create a rhythm along its length. This feature adds both visual depth and geological significance, making the specimen far more engaging than a uniformly grown crystal. Colour is a strong point of this piece. The dominant hue is a saturated pink, lively and expressive, with subtle tonal variations along the prism. In the lower half, the crystal becomes noticeably more vitreous and translucent, allowing light to penetrate more freely and enhancing the internal glow. The upper sections retain a slightly more textured appearance, reinforcing the sense of layered growth and natural evolution. Along the rear face, the crystal hosts a cluster of secondary material composed of partially recrystallised tourmaline fragments and associated pegmatitic residue. These formations are the result of later stage mineral activity, where new material nucleated against the primary crystal after its initial growth phases. Rather than detracting from the specimen, this attached material adds authenticity and context, anchoring the crystal firmly within its geological environment. Overall, this is a strong specimen grade Elbaite Tourmaline, defined by colour intensity, expressive growth features, and a form that clearly communicates its natural history. It is not a sterile gem crystal, but a mineral that tells its story openly through structure, texture, and rhythm. Specifications: • Weight: 0.40 g • Weight in carats: 2.00 ct • Dimensions: 20 × 5 × 9 mm • Origin: Paprok area, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan • Mineral: Tourmaline • Variety: Elbaite • Crystal system: Trigonal • Crystal habit: Elongated prismatic crystal with interrupted growth stages • Colour: Vivid pink with tonal variation • Growth features: Distinct growth rings from repeated pauses and resumptions • Transparency: Translucent overall with vitreous lower section • Lustre: Vitreous to sub vitreous • Associated material: Secondary tourmaline and pegmatitic residue on rear face • Treatment: None • Condition: Natural unpolished crystal specimen Notable Points: • Strong vivid pink Elbaite Tourmaline with high visual presence • Expressive prismatic form with slight natural curvature • Clear horizontal growth rings caused by interrupted crystal growth • Multiple growth phases recorded along the length of the crystal • Lower section shows enhanced vitreous lustre and translucency • Upper sections retain textured growth character • Rear face hosts secondary tourmaline and pegmatitic material • Natural structural asymmetry adds movement and individuality • Completely natural and untreated specimen • Clear geological narrative visible without magnification • Excellent balance between colour strength and growth features • High quality specimen from a classic Afghan pegmatite locality Collector’s Interest: Elbaite Tourmalines from the Paprok area of Nuristan are internationally recognised for their colour intensity and expressive crystal habits. Specimens that clearly display interrupted growth structures are particularly valued, as they provide direct insight into the changing conditions within the pegmatite during formation. This crystal stands out not for artificial perfection, but for its honesty. The growth rings, subtle curvature, and attached secondary material combine to create a specimen that feels alive and historically grounded. It is especially appealing to collectors who prioritise natural growth behaviour, structural individuality, and strong colour over conventional gem aesthetics. Lapidary Potential: While the colour of this Elbaite is attractive, its true value lies in its intact crystal form. The repeated growth interruptions, ring structures, and attached rear material would be lost through cutting, erasing the very features that define the specimen’s character. For this reason, the highest value of this tourmaline is preserved as a natural crystal. It serves as an excellent reference piece for studying interrupted growth in tourmaline, and as a visually striking specimen for advanced mineral collections rather than a candidate for lapidary transformation. ————- Shipping and Handling: All orders are shipped by Portuguese National Post. • Dispatch time: within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation to Catawiki • Transit time with CTT service: between 5 to 7 business days within europe and worldwide, depending on destination national post. • A tracking number is always provided Photography and transparency: All photos were taken under controlled light conditions, carefully selected to reproduce the most accurate natural colour of each specimen. No filters, colour enhancement, or artificial saturation were applied. The lighting setup uses a calibrated 5500K light source, which replicates neutral daylight and reveals the true tones and clarity of the mineral. Under weaker or more yellow indoor lighting, colours may appear slightly different, which is normal and expected. The purpose of this setup is to present each specimen exactly as it appears in balanced natural daylight, allowing buyers to appreciate its authentic colour and lustre without distortion. Identification and ethics: All specimens offered are guaranteed natural and as described. Their origin and mineral identification are provided with the most accurate and reliable information available. Every effort is made to ensure that each piece is presented with full transparency, avoiding any misleading details regarding its nature, treatment, or provenance. Customs and import taxes: Any customs duties, import fees, or local taxes applied by the destination country are entirely the responsibility of the winning bidder. These charges are not included in the auction price or shipping cost and are determined by the buyer’s local authorities. Guarantee and resolution: Customer satisfaction is a priority. In the event of any issue, such as loss, damage, or discrepancy, please contact us immediately through Catawiki’s messaging system. We will always find a fair and suitable solution, including refund, replacement, or other commercial arrangements whenever justified. Appreciation and commitment: We sincerely thank you for your trust and preference. Our goal is to continuously bring you some of the most beautiful, unique, and exceptional mineral specimens from around the world. Each piece is carefully selected for its quality and character, ensuring that every purchase meets the highest standards. Your satisfaction and confidence are our top priorities, and we will always strive to exceed your expectations with every order. With gratitude, GemPulse Minerals